We don’t need Walsh, says HI chief Batra

Saying he was not involved in any financial irregularities during his stint with the USA women’s team in 2012, hockey coach Terry Walsh is planning to take legal action against Hockey India (HI) for tarnishing his image.

Saying he was not involved in any financial irregularities during his stint with the USA women’s team in 2012, hockey coach Terry Walsh is planning to take legal action against Hockey India (HI) for tarnishing his image.

In a letter to the sports ministry, Walsh said that the allegation, one of the reasons why HI refused to retain him, was baseless and had been refuted by USA hockey officials. “I have instituted legal proceedings in the USA to seek restitution and protect my reputation. I am considering similar actions in India,” said the letter, dated Monday.

Despite his differences with HI president Narinder Batra, Walsh says he is keen to join the national preparatory camp. But while he may have the support of government officials, without HI’s recommendation, it will be impossible for him to get back on board, feels an official of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Meanwhile, a day after India’s high performance director Roelant Oltmans said chances of Walsh joining the national camp are slim, HI seems to have closed the door on Walsh. In a statement on Tuesday, Batra said that the federation will appoint a new chief coach shortly. “We don’t need Walsh’s services. With SAI’s approval, we’ll employ another expert,” said Batra in the statement, adding that he isn’t worried about Walsh’s plans to sue the federation.

The HI chief also claimed to have details of Walsh’s financial irregularities in the USA. “It is yet to be settled,” he said, adding that the Aussie was given adequate time to explain himself, but did not do so.